The U.S. FDA granted approval to Vericel Corp.'s Maci for the repair of symptomatic, full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee in adult patients.

Maci is composed of a patient's own cells that are expanded and placed onto a bio-resorbable porcine-derived collagen membrane that is implanted over the area where the defective or damaged tissue was removed.

The safety and efficacy of Maci were shown in a clinical trial designed to demonstrate reduced pain and improved function in comparison to microfracture, an alternative surgical procedure for cartilage repair.